A Linear Karyotypic Association between PB-I, PB-II and Blastomere Using Sequentially Performed Comparative Genome Hybridization with No Association Established between Karyotype, Morphologic, Biochemical (sHLA-G Expression) Characteristics, Blastocyst Formation and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcome

Background: The importance of oocyte/embryo ploidy to achieve implantation and a subsequent pregnancy. Aim: To correlate first and second polar bodies and day-3 blastomere ploidy, embryo morphology and biochemical (sHLA-G) characteristics with blastocyst development and in vitro pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: All oocytes/zygotes and embryos were individually cultured to the blastocyst stage. PB-I, PB-II and blastomeres underwent complete karyotyping and sHLA-G expression was measured on day 2. Results: 57 mature (MII) donor oocytes were obtained, 33/57 (57.9%) were aneuploid, 21/57 (36.8%) were euploid, and 3/57 (5%) were 'inconclusive'. No correlation was found between comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) status of PB-I, PB-II and the graduated embryo score. Furthermore, no correlation was established between PB-I CGH results and blastocyst morphology grade. There was a significant correlation between PB-I CGH and blastomere CGH results. Euploid and aneuploid PB-I developed into 58 and 67% blastocysts, respectively. kappa statistics (>0.7) revealed a positive correlation between the ploidy of PB-I, PB-II and the blastomeres. Conclusion: Following ICSI and sequential genetic karyotyping of the oocyte/zygote and subsequent blastomeres, the majority of oocytes fertilized and subsequent zygotes developed into blastocysts, despite their ploidy status. We therefore conclude that blastocyst development is not associated with ploidy. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel